Living God’s Way

Have you found yourself in a bind, and wondering, just how do we live like this? (This, of course, will vary family to family.)  What are the demands you face? What choices do you face just now? One common dilemma to many new in ministry is that of being under-employed.

I chose to be the helpmate to my husband, not only in our marriage, and in our ministry.  My employment was a source of additional income, not a continuum toward my career.  Of course, I realize this is a personal choice, but I must tell you it contributed to peace in our family, and availability in ministry. I was one of those wives that helped her husband through school by any means necessary, and am grateful for times when I did not have to work outside the home. Ministry was certainly enough to keep us both busy. I would not go back and change it.

I do know this: there are no choices without consequences.  I chose to trust God by honoring my husband and his calling. I chose against the lie that I must maintain a way to support myself if something ever went wrong in my marriage.

God’s way may require a family live in small quarters.  Just how small is too small for you? Must you have a dishwasher and a second bath? There was a time when I lived in a lovely large parsonage, and one day God made me aware of how much I loved the custom draperies and the perfect floor plan for a minister’s family. I remember praying, and giving my nice new furniture back to Him, realizing I must put Him first before houses and furniture. Is there something you just cannot part with? God doesn’t ask us to sell all we have or to live in poverty, He merely asks for our willingness, should that be necessary!

Have you made decisions about the choices ahead? Do you dream of owning a beach house or accumulating wonderful camping equipment? Perhaps this will work out well for you and your family, and your ministry.  For many of us, it is a complex decision: (1) how do I spend my money, and (2) if I make such an investment, when or how often will I use it?

Do you need the latest pricy pair of jeans or shoes or handbag?

Have you learned that these things do not define you? Things do not represent your value and worth to God. These are personal decisions, and each of us is accountable to God for our investments and choices for life.  A missionary from Africa recently held a carrot in her hand, one with long root hairs all over it.  Her American friend wanted to throw it in the trash, but the missionary said, “Oh no, just peel it, it’s still good!” What is necessary for you?

God says:  It was necessary for Christ to suffer! (Luke 24:26)

It is necessary to be in subjection! (Romans 13:5)

It is necessary that stumbling blocks come, but woe to the person through whom they come! (Matthew 18:7)

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